Page 55 of The Cowboy's Promise

“What do you mean, I wouldn’t count on it?” Heather asked.

“That lake has an appetite. Just recently it took a biker gang and they haven’t been seen since.”

“Really?” she muttered, feeling a chill prick her skin.

“Yep. So, gettin’ back to your story, I take it they forced you to call me and send me down to the swimmin’ hole, then took your truck.” “Yes, Joe forced me behind the seats and drove it here.”

“Okay, come to the station tomorrow around eleven o’clock and make the full report. And don’t worry about your truck. I’ll make sure it’s dropped off, but should it be taken to your place or Blake’s ranch?”

“The ranch,” Blake replied, then looking at Heather, he added, “You’ve just gone through one helluva drama. I’m takin’ care of you for a while. No arguments.”

“You won’t get any,” Heather replied with a grateful sigh. “Shoot, I need to call Terry and let him know I won’t be back.”

“I’ll take care of Terry for you,” the sheriff offered. “I have to go back there and finish up with those cabins.”

“Thank you, that would be great…strange though.”

“What’s that?”

“How Joe and Courtney just seemed to disappear into the lake. It’s like they were swallowed up.”

“Do you see that tall, oval rock over there?” the sheriff asked, pointing through his windshield. “Read the metal plate. I’ll see you tomorrow, and I’m real glad you’re both okay.”

Climbing from the car, Blake and Heather walked the short distance to the imposing boulder and stared down at the brass plaque.

If your heart is pure the lake spirits will save you.

If you carry evil the lake spirits will take you.

Author Unknown

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

On the drive back to the ranch Heather and Blake held hands across the console, but lost in their own thoughts they barely spoke. When he pulled to a stop outside the barn, Heather kissed him on the cheek, then said she wanted to hug Apollo and say hello to Henry. Blake understood. Seeing Butch race up to the truck Blake wanted to hug him too.

“Hi, Blake, is Heather okay?” Doug asked, striding up to join him. “Why isn’t she at work? What’s goin’ on? You look beat up, like you’ve been through the mill.”

“I have, and it’s a long story,” Blake replied, crouching down and making a fuss of his dog. “I don’t even know where to start. Bottom line, a couple at the campground kidnapped her and drove to Lake View Point. She got away just as I arrived, but the man and woman…well…they weren’t so lucky. They ended up in that icy water. The sheriff thinks they’ll never be found.”

“Damn. Sounds like you could use a beer.”

“I think a double shot of whiskey is more likely.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Do you have that special chocolate with you?”

“I never leave home without it,” Doug replied with the hint of a smile. “Truth be told, I’m addicted.”

“Could you make Heather a mug of that special drink?”

“I’ll get right on it.”

“Thanks, Doug. I’m goin’ into the paddock to join her. We’ll be there in just a few minutes. Come on, Butch, let’s go.”

* * *

As Heather had reached Apollo and wrapped her arms around his neck, he’d leaned his head over her in a horse hug, eliciting a wave of emotion.

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